Laura Benanti

Laura Benanti is an American actress and singer known for her work on Broadway, television, and in film.

Laura Benanti is an American actress and singer known for her work on Broadway, television, and film. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Louise in the 2008 revival of *Gypsy*.

Early life and education

Laura Benanti was born in New York City and raised in Kinnelon, New Jersey. Sources list her birth name as Laura Ilene Vidnovic before she later took the surname Benanti.

Stage career

Benanti’s Broadway career began with *The Sound of Music* in 1998, when she played Maria von Trapp. She later earned critical recognition for roles in productions such as *Gypsy*, *Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown*, *She Loves Me*, and *My Fair Lady*.

Television and film

Benanti has had an extensive screen career alongside her stage work. Her television credits include *Younger*, *Supergirl*, *Nashville*, *The Good Wife*, *Gossip Girl*, and *The Gilded Age*. She is one of several American actresses, including Emily Blunt, Claire Danes, and Aubrey Plaza, who have worked extensively in both stage and screen.

Awards and recognition

Her best-known award is the Tony Award for *Gypsy*. She has also received other theatre honours and multiple Tony nominations across her career.